If there’s one thing I know about myself, it’s that I thrive on excitement. I get hyped about life’s little joys, especially around the holiday season. But every year, like clockwork, I fall into a pattern with Christmas shopping—particularly with stocking stuffers.
Here’s the scene: I’ve spent weeks carefully selecting thoughtful, meaningful gifts for my family. I’ve said no to all the tempting ads and impulse buys. I feel good about my choices, confident that I’m sticking to my plan. Then December rolls around, and something in my brain shifts. Suddenly, I’m clicking on every “Last-Minute Stocking Stuffer Ideas” ad, filling my cart with trinkets, knick-knacks, and unnecessary but oh-so-fun items.
And here’s the kicker: my daughter is 24, so stockings don’t carry the same magic they used to. My husband, bless him, is a self-proclaimed Grinch who could do without all the festive flair. Yet, here I am, trying to create a Christmas morning that matches some Norman Rockwell meets Hallmark movie ideal. Spoiler alert: it always falls flat.
This year, though, I’m doing something different. I’ve decided to skip stuffing the stockings altogether. Instead, I’m shifting my focus to something more meaningful—my YouVersion Advent studies.
The Real Reason for the Season
When I think about it, Christmas was never supposed to be about the shopping frenzy, the “perfect” gift, or the overstuffed stockings. It’s not even about the Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh brought to baby Jesus. The real reason for the season is about Him—about Jesus’ sacrificial visit to Earth to save us from ourselves and reconnect us to God.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the holiday hustle, trying to manufacture magic through material things. But this year, I’m choosing to slow down and reflect on what matters most. The story of Christmas is a story of hope, love, and redemption—a reminder that our greatest gift has already been given.
Letting Go of Holiday Pressure
I’ll admit, skipping the stockings feels a little strange. There’s a part of me that still wants to cling to that tradition, even though I know it’s mostly for me. But I’m learning to let go of the pressure to create a Pinterest-perfect holiday. Instead, I’m embracing simplicity and finding joy in the things that truly matter.
This doesn’t mean Christmas morning will be any less special. In fact, I think it might feel more meaningful without the distraction of those last-minute impulse buys. By focusing on my Advent studies and the true message of Christmas, I’m hoping to recapture a sense of peace and purpose that often gets lost in the rush.
A New Tradition
Skipping the stockings might just be the start of a new tradition for me—one that’s less about things and more about faith, connection, and gratitude. Maybe it’ll inspire me to find other ways to simplify and focus on what really counts.
Do you ever feel the pull between holiday traditions and the deeper meaning of the season? How do you balance it all? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s remind each other to keep our eyes on what truly matters this Christmas.
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